Springsteen's Politics

Bruce Springsteen is an American legend. Often referred to as "The Boss," he is considered one of the greatest singers and cultural icons of the 70s-80s. Bruce Springsteen's presence as an artist stretches far beyond his recognizable rasp and electric performance style. His true individuality lies in his lyrics and storytelling.

At first glance, his music may seem like a poster for American patriotism, but if you look closer, it is the opposite. His music tells the experience of the American working class and the struggles of everyday people. His albums Born to Run and Born in the USA explore these themes, with Born to Run focusing on small-town life and the need to escape, and Born in the USA focusing on the exploitation of the working class and veterans.

Springsteen used the 'Americana' aesthetic and popular synth sounds of the 80s to make his music more digestible to a larger audience. His music highlights both the beauty and issues of American society.

In recent times, Springsteen has continued to advocate for these values, most recently publicly endorsing VP Kamala Harris for the 2024 election. Though not an incredibly radical stance, his endorsement still came as a shock to those on the right who took him at face value, some claiming that he has changed and is not pro-America anymore. To those who dig deeper, however, his endorsement proves to be no surprise.

Whether it's 1984 or 2024, Springsteen continues to remind people that sometimes the best way to love something is to acknowledge when it needs to change.